By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The contractor working on Nephi's Main Street Project had to request a 10-day extension on the contract in order to complete the job.
Kyle Marchant, Nephi City Public Works Director, said that there had been enough surprises underground along the street that it had delayed the completion date.
COP Construction LLC (COP) had to request that UDOT allow an extension of time.
"The curb project is 90 percent complete," said Marchant.
Asphalt patching and asphalt paving of the roadway surface is continuing and parking will continue to be restricted on the roadway shoulders to allow for asphalt machines and workers completing this work.
UDOT has asked those using Main Street to please watch for changing traffic patterns and short delays.
"Twenty-four of the 40 new street lights are installed with the others to be installed as they arrive," Marchant said.
New concrete will continue to be poured in areas throughout the project. This will include drive approaches and sidewalk areas, as well as curb and gutter along the roadway.
New concrete must remain free from any foot traffic for 72 hours in order to cure properly. Vehicle traffic on new concrete will not be permitted for 7-10 days, to allow for additional cure time.
"The contractor will coordinate with homes and businesses individually for temporary access if needed during this time," said Marchant.
Construction activities finishing in the next few weeks:
The 200 East storm drain and utility work are complete and curb and asphalt patching are continuing.
Landscape tie ins have begun and will continue throughout the project.
"Some pavers are being placed in the sidewalk areas," he said. "These will not be complete until the new planters are installed."
Re-striping of the roadway will take place as the asphalt work is complete.
The Main Street Project includes upgrades to utilities, street lighting and poles, areas of sidewalk, curb and gutter, pedestrian ramps, and drainage.
Pipe installation for the drainage improvements on Main Street will extend along 200 East. The project will enhance on-street parking.
New planter boxes and landscaping will also be seen along Main Street.
Following the upgrades to Main Street, crews will microsurface and re-stripe the full length of the roadway from I-15 on the north to Flying J on the south. The micro surface will extend the life of the roadway and provide a smoother driving surface.
"The microsurface that most of Main Street has already received is much rougher than asphalt," said Greg Rowley, council member.
Microsurface will save money because it is less expensive than asphalt and, for a fraction of the cost, can effectively maintain a road for a long period of time.
Additionally, it provides moisture sealing that chip seal does not offer and it also provides improved traction on roads that are subject to winter conditions.
The microsurface will smooth down with time, said Rowley.
"The gaping holes along the sidewalks are to be filled by planter boxes and plantings," said Marchant. "The depth will allow for tree roots to grow underground."
Nephi City and Juab County are continuing work on their cooperative project located in front of the county building on the west, to the north of the county building and to the west and south of the city building.
Trees have been planted in front of the county building and sod has been laid around the city building.
"The city and county project is not part of the UDOT Main Street Project," said Marchant.
